Dennis S. Lepka Jr., a Charlotte resident, was sentenced to more than six years in prison and ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution for his involvement in a real estate fraud scheme in May 2024. Lepka deceived both sellers and buyers by promising to buy homes and assume outstanding mortgages, leaving the real estate sellers financially liable while profiting from the transactions.
A Charlotte, NC, real estate litigation attorney says real estate is a major investment for buyers, sellers, developers, contractors, and others who are engaged in the industry. The support of experienced real estate litigation attorneys will allow you to proceed and effectively address real estate issues. Real estate litigation attorneys specialize in resolving property-related disputes through the court system or alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration.
Real estate disputes, whether over property boundaries, contract breaches, landlord-tenant issues, or sale issues, can be stressful and costly. Knowing the common causes of these disputes and when to seek legal intervention is important.
This article will go over the most common real estate disputes, their causes, and when to hire a litigation attorney.
Common Types of Real Estate Disputes
Real estate disputes arise in a variety of contexts, and understanding the most common types of disputes will help you manage potential conflicts.
- Boundary disputes frequently cause disagreements among homeowners, which are usually caused by ambiguous property lines.
- Another major issue is the leasing part, with disputes arising out of unclear terms and violations of tenant rights.
- Property defects, which occur when sellers fail to properly disclose a significant problem, typically result in claims for monetary damages.
- Zoning disputes may arise when there is a claim that some plans violate local regulations concerning land use.
- Disagreements over purchase agreements are prevalent in the real estate industry and are usually based on contingencies or concerns pertaining to financing issues.
The Legal Implications of Real Estate Conflicts
Knowing the legal implications of real estate issues can help protect rights and interests in property disputes. Real estate disputes may involve property lines, zoning, and contracts.
Keep in mind that local laws may affect real estate disputes. Failing to address these issues early on can harm you and your property.
Gather all contracts and emails that can support your statements and substantiate your claims. You need a lawyer who has excellent mediation and litigation skills to resolve various real estate issues.
Real estate attorney Ken R. Ashworth says real estate owners need to have liability insurance in case someone gets injured while on your property. The insurance can be one of the ways to resolve real estate issues.
Legal knowledge about the consequences of real estate disputes will assist you in resolving disagreements, making decisions, and protecting your assets, regardless of your current real estate needs or long-term goals.
Signs You Need a Litigation Attorney
Timing is the key when you engage the service of a litigation attorney. Seek counsel if you are facing threats of legal action or receiving formal notices.
Unresolved disputes with tenants, neighbors, or contractors can quickly escalate into larger financial and legal issues, such as costly litigation, property damage, and strain on personal relationships. In situations where negotiations have broken down or the parties are unable to reach an agreement, legal consultation should occur as soon as possible.
If your property involves significant stakes or unclear titles, you will need professional guidance. Pay attention to the situation, and if it appears to be spiraling out of control, contact a litigation attorney right away.
How a Litigation Attorney Can Assist You
Investing in a skilled real estate litigation attorney can make a big difference in terms of resolving property disputes efficiently. They will help you understand your rights and obligations so you’re fully informed throughout the litigation proceedings.
A competent lawyer would be able to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of your claims and help you with strategic decision-making. Expect your lawyer to clearly represent the facts of your case and work to reach a fair settlement as quickly as possible.
In the event of a trial, an attorney will argue on your behalf, educating the court about your claims or presenting valid defenses. An attorney specializing in real property law will provide you with the necessary guidance in understanding regulations or handling administrative formalities.
Appointing capable legal counsel can significantly increase the likelihood of obtaining a favorable outcome.
Steps to Take When Facing a Real Estate Dispute
Real estate disputes can quickly overwhelm someone who is unfamiliar with the legal system and is unsure of the next steps to take. Collect all documents, such as contracts, emails, and other records, that you believe will help to clarify the situation.
Try to speak with the other party directly to see if things can be amicably resolved. If not, hiring a real estate litigation attorney to handle the situation could be beneficial. They will present you with legal options and explain the possible outcomes.
If negotiations fail, be prepared to file a complaint or participate in some type of mediation.
